Donald Trump acquitted by Senate in impeachment trial

[MenInG]

US President Donald Trump is set to be acquitted in his impeachment trial after senators voted against calling witnesses or admitting new evidence.

Democrats hoped four swing Republicans would vote for witnesses, which would have extended the trial without in all likelihood changing its outcome.

In the end, only two of the four Republicans voted with Democrats.

Spoiler

The trial now moves forward to a vote on whether to acquit President Trump, which he is all but certain to win.

Senior members of President Trump's Republican Party pushed from the outset for a speedy trial with no witnesses or new evidence. Above all, they wanted to avoid senators hearing from former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

According to reporting by the New York Times, Mr Bolton writes in his forthcoming book that the president directly instructed him to withhold military aid from Ukraine in exchange for dirt on a Democratic political rival, Joe Biden.

What acquittal would mean for the election
Testimony from Mr Bolton about his involvement in the Ukraine affair threatened to significantly undermine the case made by the president's lawyers during his trial.

Trump was impeached on two charges - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The first charge stemmed from an allegation that he pressured Ukraine to damage Mr Biden for his own political benefit. The second from an allegation that he purposefully obstructed the Congressional impeachment investigation.

The final vote on whether or not to acquit Mr Trump will be held on 5 February.

What happens next?
The Senate will vote on Wednesday 5 February on whether to convict or acquit the president on the two articles of impeachment brought against him.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer said there would be four votes on Friday night on Democratic amendments, followed by closing arguments on Monday, speeches from senators from Monday to Wednesday, and a final vote on Wednesday - the day after President Trump's State of the Union address.

All you need to know about Trump's impeachment
A two-thirds majority in the chamber of 67 votes is required to remove him from office. The Republicans control the Senate with a 53-47 majority over Democrats, and no Republican senator has signalled that they plan to vote for Mr Trump's removal.

Eyes will instead fall on several Democrats in Republican-leaning states who have indicated they may vote to acquit. Any Democratic defections would be a symbolic victory for the president that he will likely use to his advantage on the campaign trail in the coming months.

The battle over witnesses intensified a week ago after reports emerged that Mr Bolton might have highly damaging testimony about the president's involvement an alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine.

Mr Bolton's forthcoming book reportedly alleges that the president personally directed the scheme to get dirt from Ukraine on Mr Biden, a former US vice president. The revelations threatened to undo Republican arguments that no impeachment witness had first-hand testimony of the president's involvement.

But the slim chance of Mr Bolton being called to give testimony to the Senate slipped away from Democrats on Friday, after two of the four Republican senators they had hoped would defect confirmed that they would not.

Could Bolton be a game-changer?
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said in a statement late on Thursday that, while the Democrats had clearly demonstrated the president's actions were "inappropriate", they had not proved to be impeachable offenses.

"The question then is not whether the president did it, but whether the United States Senate or the American people should decide what to do about what he did," he said.

"I believe that the constitution provides that the people should make that decision in the presidential election that begins in Iowa on Monday."

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, another moderate, said in a statement on Friday afternoon: "The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed. I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses and documents, to cure the shortcomings of its process, but ultimately decided that I will vote against considering motions to subpoena."

Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah decided to vote to call witnesses, but they were alone among the 53-strong Republican Senate caucus.

Democratic House impeachment managers said throughout the process that a trial without witnesses amounted to a sham trial. They were joined on Friday by President Trump's former White House chief of staff, John Kelly, who told a New Jersey publication that Mr Trump had been subjected to only "half a trial".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51335661

 

[James]

Well that was the most pointless and underwhelming thing ever. If anything it has probably increased his support.

 

[Nostalgic]

Well that was the most pointless and underwhelming thing ever. If anything it has probably increased his support.

Not necessarily. 75% of the people wanted to hear from the witnesses, including a bare plurality of Republicans. As more evidence emerges, including Bolton’s book, the votes to not hear from witnesses may look more and more like the craven partisanship it was, especially for the swing state Republican senators up for re-election this year. The Dems will harp on that incessantly during the campaign.

 

[MenInG]

The former US ambassador to Ukraine - a central figure in the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump - has retired from the foreign service, US media report.

Spoiler

Marie Yovanovitch was recalled last May after being accused of being disloyal to Mr Trump. She denies the claims.

She gave evidence at the hearings which led to Mr Trump's current trial in the Senate over his Ukraine policy.

The president is likely to be acquitted by loyal senators on Wednesday.

The two charges that led to his impeachment by the lower House of Representatives are abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The first charge relates to an accusation that Mr Trump withheld US military aid to pressure Ukraine into investigating a Democratic political rival, Joe Biden.

The second stems from an allegation that he purposefully obstructed the Congressional impeachment investigation.

The president has repeatedly dismissed the inquiry as a "hoax" and a "witch-hunt".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51340094

 

[sweep_shot]

I don't think Trump will be impeached. Republicans control Senate.

It is a massive of waste of time and money. Democrats should focus on election instead of impeachment.

 

[ManFan]

This was the only chance to stop Trump’s second term.

He’s going to torch through the election because the power of the Oval Office is intoxicating.

 

[Robert]

Well that was the most pointless and underwhelming thing ever. If anything it has probably increased his support.

Yeah, I wondered about Pelosi’s tactics. What did she hope to achieve?

 

[dildilpak]

Lets face it - Trump was never going to be impeached with a Senate majority - everybody & their grandma knew it. Nobody can stop him in Nov either.

 

[Markhor]

Trump will win in November sadly.

I'm past caring now. I hope Trump and GOP do cut Social Security and Medicaid. The people who vote for him should feel the consequences of their vote.

 

[Markhor]

But that's a new one - a trial without witnesses.

I recall these same Senators like Lindsey Graham adopting a totally different tune in 1998 with Bill Clinton over the Lewinsky scandal.

 

[MenInG]

A top Democratic impeachment prosecutor has suggested that he would widen a House probe against President Donald Trump even if he is acquitted by the Senate.

Spoiler

New York Congressman Jerry Nadler said the House was "likely" to subpoena former Trump aide John Bolton for testimony.

Mr Bolton could face questions beyond the impeachment articles, he said.

If he testifies, "we're talking about everything," Mr Nadler told reporters.

The comments came hours before the Senate was expected to vote against removing Mr Trump from office.

What you missed at Trump impeachment trial

Mr Trump is charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He is accused of withholding military aide to Ukraine to press Kyiv for an investigation into Joe Biden, a Democratic rival.

A manuscript of a forthcoming book by Mr Bolton reportedly claims that Mr Trump told the former national security advisor to help in the campaign.

The claim is the only time the president has been directly linked to the alleged scheme, but the Senate rejected a vote to hear from Mr Bolton as a witness.

Mr Nadler, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters on Wednesday that "it's likely" Mr Bolton will be subpoenaed by the lower chamber, even if the Senate votes to acquit the president.

Democrats in the House had previously sought Mr Bolton's testimony, but he declined to appear after the White House refused to allow any current or former aides to co-operate with the investigation.

Mr Trump was impeached by the House on 18 December, but a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to remove him from office.

Republicans who control the chamber have made clear that the outcome is not likely.

Facing defeat, some Democrats have suggested they support other efforts to reveal "the truth".

Chris van Hollen, a Maryland senator, said: "I don't think the House is interested at all in opening round two of impeachment... But I do think the country deserves the truth."

Val Demings, another House prosecutor, said Democrats would watch the Wednesday Senate vote and "make any decisions moving forward from there" about issuing a subpoena for Mr Bolton.

A spokesman for Mr Bolton declined to comment to press.

Protests are expected to take place around the country on the final day of Mr Trump's trial.

A "Reject the Cover up Rally" is planned for Capitol Hill in the evening, as senators begin casting their votes.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51391921

 

[Technics 1210]

Nancy P has handed Trump another 4 years by ripping up Trump's speech.

Teflon Don found not guilty.

Crying, moaning, and complaining like a wet blouse is not a voting policy.

Democrats have squandered the past 3+ years trying to hide the dissapointment that Clinton lost, when anyone with half a brain cell could've told you Hillary was damaged goods the day her husband was found incognito was with Monica!

I just pray that Aaron Sorkin would pen the political life of Trump!

 

[KingKhanWC]

Trump like a good little puppet attacked an Iranian general which has saved his job...for now.

Next term will see race riots as we have seen in the past such as LA after King. Trump isn't being kept because he has twitter.

 

[Bewal Express]

Get your monies on Trump- guaranteed to win.

 

[kk1992]

Get your monies on Trump- guaranteed to win.

Only Democrat candidate has a chance against Trump is Sanders but DNC/ establishment would rather have Trump than Sanders.

 

[DeadBall]

I just pray that Aaron Sorkin would pen the political life of Trump!

��

Even a monkey who has just learned sign language can write about Trump, he gives so much material everyday that it isn't even funny anymore, hell, most of the self respecting writers have even stopped writing about him. No need to waste Sorkins talents on this parody of an orangutan.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Trump wins again!

When will these loser Democrat’s learn?

Trump is all set for reelection. Thanks to Democrat’s who have nothing to show but their hatred and grudge for the POTUS.

 

[kk1992]

Trump wins again!

When will these loser Democrat’s learn?

Trump is all set for reelection. Thanks to Democrat’s who have nothing to show but their hatred and grudge for the POTUS.

What did he win?

Everyone knew what would happen before impeachment trial started.

Did you think Democrat’s went for impeachment with hope that Republican senators majority would impeach Trump?

 

[Gilly]

So once again Trump turned out to be innocent and the deranged Trump syndrome people got it wrong again.

 

[Ahmed4472]

Trump acquitted by Senate in impeachment trial

President Donald Trump has been cleared in his impeachment trial, ending a congressional bid to oust him from office that bitterly divided the US.
The Senate, run by the president's fellow Republicans, voted to acquit him 52-48 on charges of abuse of power and 53-47 on obstruction of Congress.
Democrats charged Mr Trump in December with pressuring Ukraine to smear a potential White House rival.
In November, Mr Trump will be the first impeached president to go for election.
In its historic vote on Wednesday, the Senate decided not to remove America's 45th president from office on charges arising from his dealings with Ukraine.

If convicted on either charge, Mr Trump would have had to turn over his office to Vice-President Mike Pence.
The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved the articles of impeachment on 18 December.

How did President Trump react?
Mr Trump, who is seeking a second four-year term in the 3 November election, always denied wrongdoing.
His re-election campaign said in a statement: "President Trump has been totally vindicated and it's now time to get back to the business of the American people.
"The do-nothing Democrats know they can't beat him, so they had to impeach him." It said "this terrible ordeal" and "nonsense" was merely a Democratic campaign tactic.
Four numbers that explain why Trump was cleared
What Trump acquittal means for 2020 election
In the end, it didn't matter what anyone said
The statement added: "This impeachment hoax will go down as the worst miscalculation in American political history."
Mr Trump - whose personal approval rating with American voters hit a personal best of 49% this week, according to Gallup - tweeted that he would speak on Thursday about the case.
How did the impeachment vote play out?
Mitt Romney of Utah was the only Republican senator to cross the aisle and convict Mr Trump, on the first charge of abuse of power.

Despite Democratic hopes, two other moderate Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, did not join Mr Romney in voting to convict the president.
Some Republican senators criticised Mr Trump's behaviour in recent days, but said it did not rise to the level of impeachment.
Three centrist Democratic senators who Republicans had hoped would side with them instead voted to convict Mr Trump.
They were Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Doug Jones of Alabama.
A two-thirds majority vote was needed to remove Mr Trump, which was always going to be a long shot in a 100-seat chamber controlled by his party.

What was Trump accused of?
The impeachment charges focused on Mr Trump's request that Kyiv announce a corruption investigation into Joe Biden, a Democratic White House candidate, and his son Hunter Biden.
Mr Trump has argued that the younger Biden improperly held a board position with a Ukrainian natural gas firm while his father was US vice-president and in charge of American-Ukrainian relations.
Democrats accused Mr Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391m (£300m) in security aid to prod Ukraine's president into digging up dirt on the Bidens.
Who's who in Trump-Ukraine saga
The story in 100, 300 and 800 words
They also charged Mr Trump with obstruction of Congress after the White House blocked testimony and documents sought by the House impeachment investigators.
The impeachment inquiry stemmed from Mr Trump's phone call on 25 July this year in which he asked Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to "do us a favour".
Following a complaint from an anonymous government whistleblower, Democrats launched their investigation in September, compiling a 28,000-page report.
What is the historical precedent?
Mr Trump is the third US president to have been impeached.
The two others, Bill Clinton in 1999 and Andrew Johnson in 1868, were left in power by the Senate and did not seek re-election.
President Richard Nixon resigned before he could be impeached.
How did Democrats react?
Democrats expressed concern that acquittal would further embolden a president whom they depict as a demagogue.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Mr Trump remains "an ongoing threat to American democracy" and that Senate Republicans had "normalised lawlessness"
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said there will always be "a giant asterisk next to the president's acquittal"
"No doubt, the president will boast he received total exoneration," said the New York senator. "But we know better."
What did Republican senators say?
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee warned before he voted to acquit that a guilty verdict would "rip the country apart"
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the entire case against Mr Trump had been a "circus" and "a colossal political mistake"
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said the proceedings were a "sham" designed to destroy a presidency
Mr Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, choked up on the Senate floor as he explained his decision to convict the president
He said Mr Trump had been "guilty of an appalling abuse of public trust" and "a flagrant assault on our electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values".
Is this the end of the matter?
Mr Trump has probably not heard the last of the Ukraine investigation.
Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said on Wednesday the chamber would "likely" issue a subpoena to Mr Trump's former National Security Adviser, John Bolton.
Senate Republicans ultimately declined to seek Mr Bolton's testimony during the president's impeachment trial, provoking uproar from Democrats.
A manuscript of a forthcoming Bolton memoir reportedly alleges Mr Trump told his former national security adviser to help him pressure Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51394383

 

[James]

This has been a glorious week for Trump, one of his most personally enjoyable since starting his Presidential run I’d imagine. All the adulation of the State of the Union speech, approval rating one of his highest ever - whilst Pelosi is viewed as an old, bitter and unappealing old trout by almost everyone - also he’s been acquitted of the impeachment charges, and there has been a totally botched Democratic caucus with no clear favourite emerging to challenge him. He honestly couldn’t have written a better week for himself.

 

[Robert]

Pelosi looked petulant but I feel as she does. My frustration and disappointment with politics - no, in people - deepens by the day. The GOP Senators took an oath to uphold the laws and Constitution of the Republic, but they have chosen partisanship and self-interest. Only Mitt Romney stood up.

It seems that more and more people don’t actually want democratic liberal institutions and the rule of legal oversight - they just want bigger telly and a cartoon clown on it who will make them feel important.

Even Mrs Robert says my narrative has changed. I used to believe in people so much.

 

[Technics 1210]

What did he win?

Everyone knew what would happen before impeachment trial started.

Did you think Democrat’s went for impeachment with hope that Republican senators majority would impeach Trump?

I think the democrats thought they had a chance. Otherwise why would the democrats impeach knowing they would lose and Trump walks away being a winner with even higher ratings than before the impeachment? Effectivly handing Trump another 4 years.

 

[Technics 1210]

Pelosi looked petulant but I feel as she does. My frustration and disappointment with politics - no, in people - deepens by the day. The GOP Senators took an oath to uphold the laws and Constitution of the Republic, but they have chosen partisanship and self-interest. Only Mitt Romney stood up.

It seems that more and more people don’t actually want democratic liberal institutions and the rule of legal oversight - they just want bigger telly and a cartoon clown on it who will make them feel important.

Even Mrs Robert says my narrative has changed. I used to believe in people so much.

The same politicans who took an oath and voted to wage wars at the cost of innocent lives?

Bud, you must be naive to think politicans play by the book.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

He was not acquitted he is still an impeached president. What the senate was supposed to do is sentence him for his crimes which the republicans declined to do. Though he and the republicans are going to spin and are spinning it as an acquittal.

 

[kk1992]

I think the democrats thought they had a chance. Otherwise why would the democrats impeach knowing they would lose and Trump walks away being a winner with even higher ratings than before the impeachment? Effectivly handing Trump another 4 years.

Democrats knew they had no chance to impeach him, it was mostly symbolic act.

Trump re-election depends who gets the nominee, if it’s Biden or Elizabeth then Trump will win.

 

[Gilly]

Pelosi looked petulant but I feel as she does. My frustration and disappointment with politics - no, in people - deepens by the day. The GOP Senators took an oath to uphold the laws and Constitution of the Republic, but they have chosen partisanship and self-interest. Only Mitt Romney stood up.

It seems that more and more people don’t actually want democratic liberal institutions and the rule of legal oversight - they just want bigger telly and a cartoon clown on it who will make them feel important.

Even Mrs Robert says my narrative has changed. I used to believe in people so much.

The democratic liberals are filled with hate. If you think that they were trying to uphold the laws and constitution can I interest you in a bridge.

 

[Robert]

The same politicans who took an oath and voted to wage wars at the cost of innocent lives?

Bud, you must be naive to think politicans play by the book.

Their oath is to defend the Republic from threats within and without.

Yes, I guess I was naive to think most people are better than this.

 

[Gilly]

Their oath is to defend the Republic from threats within and without.

Yes, I guess I was naive to think most people are better than this.

Trump is only a threat to the democratic party, America will chug along just fine.

Just take a breath and look where all the hate is coming from. Hate is what destroys.

 

[Robert]

Trump is only a threat to the democratic party, America will chug along just fine.

Just take a breath and look where all the hate is coming from. Hate is what destroys.

I think you are wrong there. He has trashed the concept of truth. He has demonstrated that you can lie and lie and cheat and cheat and that doesn't matter as long as the people around you are craven and let you get away with it. What this corrosion from the very top will do to American society in the medium to long term remains to be seen. The fish rots from the head.

 

[Technics 1210]

Their oath is to defend the Republic from threats within and without.

Yes, I guess I was naive to think most people are better than this.

Nope. Their oath is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

I think it just a case of the left being disappointed once again. No matter how hard the left try, they continue to make the right stronger.

 

[Technics 1210]

I think you are wrong there. He has trashed the concept of truth. He has demonstrated that you can lie and lie and cheat and cheat and that doesn't matter as long as the people around you are craven and let you get away with it. What this corrosion from the very top will do to American society in the medium to long term remains to be seen. The fish rots from the head.

He has demonstrated what we all know along - ALL politicans lie one way or another.

American politics were rotton at the beginning of the 20th century, not with Trump.

 

[Gilly]

I think you are wrong there. He has trashed the concept of truth. He has demonstrated that you can lie and lie and cheat and cheat and that doesn't matter as long as the people around you are craven and let you get away with it. What this corrosion from the very top will do to American society in the medium to long term remains to be seen. The fish rots from the head.

Concept of truth, so when Hillary acid cleaned her hard drives it didnt bother you, you believe Hunter Biden was being paid a million a year by Ukraine was because of his skills and had nothing to do with his dad, you believe Schiff when he said he himself had seen evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians. Trump is no different to any politician past or present, he is just more upfront about it.

 

[Robert]

Concept of truth, so when Hillary acid cleaned her hard drives it didnt bother you, you believe Hunter Biden was being paid a million a year by Ukraine was because of his skills and had nothing to do with his dad, you believe Schiff when he said he himself had seen evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians. Trump is no different to any politician past or present, he is just more upfront about it.

But none of those stood up and accused anyone who criticised or disgreed with them of lying. Pretty soon nobody knows what the truth is and you are in a swamp of moral relativism. This is Fascism 101 - Mussolini stuff, Goebbels stuff - it has not happened in the USA before.

 

[Technics 1210]

Even a monkey who has just learned sign language can write about Trump, he gives so much material everyday that it isn't even funny anymore, hell, most of the self respecting writers have even stopped writing about him. No need to waste Sorkins talents on this parody of an orangutan.

Yet there are documentaries on Trump appearing everywhere from Youtube to Netflix to BBC.

Trump will remain blockbuster headline material for years to come.

Then you have the usual lefty meltdown in the comments section where the real laughter resides.

 

[Technics 1210]

But none of those stood up and accused anyone who criticised or disgreed with them of lying. Pretty soon nobody knows what the truth is and you are in a swamp of moral relativism. This is Fascism 101 - Mussolini stuff, Goebbels stuff - it has not happened in the USA before.

Yes it has happened in the USA before. The internet. No one knows what the truth is anymore.

 

[Technics 1210]

Concept of truth, so when Hillary acid cleaned her hard drives it didnt bother you, you believe Hunter Biden was being paid a million a year by Ukraine was because of his skills and had nothing to do with his dad, you believe Schiff when he said he himself had seen evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians. Trump is no different to any politician past or present, he is just more upfront about it.

Don"t forget WMDs in Iraq. That was a cracker of a 'truth'.

 

[Gilly]

But none of those stood up and accused anyone who criticised or disgreed with them of lying. Pretty soon nobody knows what the truth is and you are in a swamp of moral relativism. This is Fascism 101 - Mussolini stuff, Goebbels stuff - it has not happened in the USA before.

How did you arrive at the conclusion that Trump is in any way a facist?.

 

[AdamM97]

Lol. This entire impeachment trial has only made the clown Trump more popular if anything.

The democrats are a hopeless bunch, very similar to neo-liberals in other parts of the world.

 

[kk1992]

Lol. This entire impeachment trial has only made the clown Trump more popular if anything.

The democrats are a hopeless bunch, very similar to neo-liberals in other parts of the world.

Not really.

Democrats knew trial would not get Trump impeached.

It was done to put facts out there for those who were on the fence and for those who voted to see the change, it was never meant to gain following among Trump base, as Trump, himself has said it, "He could shoot a person on 5th ave and still would not lose following".

Polls are either over estimated or underestimated, recent example, Iowa caucuses.

People in US are easily influenced, couple of good speeches and doing good in debates against Trump can and will sink Trump.

 

[Technics 1210]

Not really.

Democrats knew trial would not get Trump impeached.

It was done to put facts out there for those who were on the fence and for those who voted to see the change, it was never meant to gain following among Trump base, as Trump, himself has said it, "He could shoot a person on 5th ave and still would not lose following".

Polls are either over estimated or underestimated, recent example, Iowa caucuses.

People in US are easily influenced, couple of good speeches and doing good in debates against Trump can and will sink Trump.

The left have been trying for a few years to get the facts out to the public, and every time it has backfired.

 

[AdamM97]

Not really.

Democrats knew trial would not get Trump impeached.

It was done to put facts out there for those who were on the fence and for those who voted to see the change, it was never meant to gain following among Trump base, as Trump, himself has said it, "He could shoot a person on 5th ave and still would not lose following".

Polls are either over estimated or underestimated, recent example, Iowa caucuses.

People in US are easily influenced, couple of good speeches and doing good in debates against Trump can and will sink Trump.

Trump’s approval ratings are 49% atm. Now that the senate has acquited him, they’ll sky rocket above 50%. Just in time for the election.

The democrats might have known that Trump wouldn’t get removed from office, but it was a poor decision anyways. Trump’s popularity will only grow after this.

Besides, the democrats have already shown their incompetence with the whole Iowa Caucus thing.

 

[kk1992]

The left have been trying for a few years to get the facts out to the public, and every time it has backfired.

He was elected, you can't impeached him without majority in Senate, Democrats knew that.

By backfired you meant, rise in polls, because that is the only way to judge "backfired" then probably not the best way to look at it.

 

[kk1992]

Trump’s approval ratings are 49% atm. Now that the senate has acquited him, they’ll sky rocket above 50%. Just in time for the election.

The democrats might have known that Trump wouldn’t get removed from office, but it was a poor decision anyways. Trump’s popularity will only grow after this.

Besides, the democrats have already shown their incompetence with the whole Iowa Caucus thing.

Mean nothing.

Before last election, Trump was trailing Clinton.

Pete was trailing Elizabeth and Bernie in Iowa.

 

[Technics 1210]

He was elected, you can't impeached him without majority in Senate, Democrats knew that.

By backfired you meant, rise in polls, because that is the only way to judge "backfired" then probably not the best way to look at it.

Backfired as in Trump defeated Clinton and the Democrats are in disarray.

 

[kk1992]

Backfired as in Trump defeated Clinton and the Democrats are in disarray.

Definitely, it had everything to do with DNC establishment.

Clinton isn't running again, Biden will drop out in couple of weeks, and Warren has no chance either.

It won't be walk in the park for Trump this time around.

 

[Technics 1210]

Definitely, it had everything to do with DNC establishment.

Clinton isn't running again, Biden will drop out in couple of weeks, and Warren has no chance either.

It won't be walk in the park for Trump this time around.

I think it will be easier for Trump this time round. For one, there is no credible alternative. The democrats have squandered the last few years discrediting Trump when they should've groomed a candidate in the time. And two, he just has to point at the stock market.

 

[AdamM97]

Mean nothing.

Before last election, Trump was trailing Clinton.

Pete was trailing Elizabeth and Bernie in Iowa.

Whether Trump wins or not is not the point. The point is that Trump’s approval ratings are rising because of the democrats. This impeachment trial was pointless as it was more beneficial for Trump.

 

[Gilly]

I think it will be easier for Trump this time round. For one, there is no credible alternative. The democrats have squandered the last few years discrediting Trump when they should've groomed a candidate in the time. And two, he just has to point at the stock market.

They had no choice though, under Trump the economy is good, wages are rising, unemployment is falling, manufacturing is growing, trade deals have improved businesses. Even the lives of colored people is much better under Trump than Obama.

The only thing they can actually attack is him personally and that is his strength.

 

[kk1992]

I think it will be easier for Trump this time round. For one, there is no credible alternative. The democrats have squandered the last few years discrediting Trump when they should've groomed a candidate in the time. And two, he just has to point at the stock market.

Plenty of time left in Election.

couple of good speeches and debate no one will remember stock market.

 

[kk1992]

They had no choice though, under Trump the economy is good, wages are rising, unemployment is falling, manufacturing is growing, trade deals have improved businesses. Even the lives of colored people is much better under Trump than Obama.

The only thing they can actually attack is him personally and that is his strength.

Manufacturing job is growing? lol

 

[Gilly]

Manufacturing job is growing? lol

In the last 30 months of President Obama’s term, manufacturing employment grew by 185,000 or 1.5%. In President Trump’s first 30 months, manufacturers added 499,000 jobs, expanding by 4.0%.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckd...-over-obama-what-states-are-hot/#7f5206a52677

You were saying.

 

[Technics 1210]

Plenty of time left in Election.

couple of good speeches and debate no one will remember stock market.

You do remember the 3 debates between Trump the novice vs. Clinton the pro? Trump doesnt need big words, or the truth, or the need to respond to question - he is an entertainer on the stage. His rallys are rammed and the queues to get start days before the event.

Sadly everyone remembers the stock market because the economy is the number one concern in the USA.

 

[kk1992]

You do remember the 3 debates between Trump the novice vs. Clinton the pro? Trump doesnt need big words, or the truth, or the need to respond to question - he is an entertainer on the stage. His rallys are rammed and the queues to get start days before the event.

Sadly everyone remembers the stock market because the economy is the number one concern in the USA.

It had everything to do with Clinton, nothing with Trump.

No one likes Clinton.

 

[kk1992]

In the last 30 months of President Obama’s term, manufacturing employment grew by 185,000 or 1.5%. In President Trump’s first 30 months, manufacturers added 499,000 jobs, expanding by 4.0%.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckd...-over-obama-what-states-are-hot/#7f5206a52677

You were saying.

You do not understand the economy or job growth if you believe it has anything to do with Trump.

 

[Technics 1210]

It had everything to do with Clinton, nothing with Trump.

No one likes Clinton.

Agree Clinton was a major reason for Trumps victory , but look at the way Trump anhilated the GOP nominees at the last election.

My point is debates and speeches will hardly make a difference. The USA isnt teaming with swing voters, it a pretty much polarised society at the moment.

 

[Technics 1210]

You do not understand the economy or job growth if you believe it has anything to do with Trump.

You can argue about whether Trump was responsible for jobs etc, but no one can argue the effect Trump has had on the US stock markets.

The DJIA jumped 400+ points on the news of Trump's aquittal, and is right now in record breaking territory.

 

[Gilly]

You do not understand the economy or job growth if you believe it has anything to do with Trump.

You are not posting anything of substance.

 

[AdamM97]

You can argue about whether Trump was responsible for jobs etc, but no one can argue the effect Trump has had on the US stock markets.

The DJIA jumped 400+ points on the news of Trump's aquittal, and is right now in record breaking territory.

Stock markets always react whenever there’s any major political news, whether good or bad.

Stock markets aren’t a measure of economic progress.

 

[Gilly]

Stock markets always react whenever there’s any major political news, whether good or bad.

Stock markets aren’t a measure of economic progress.

How do you measure the success of a president?.

( I'm not suggesting the stockmarket is the measure)

 

[Technics 1210]

Stock markets always react whenever there’s any major political news, whether good or bad.

Stock markets aren’t a measure of economic progress.

Stock markets discount the future. This is why my point is people cannot pin the success of the stock market on Obama, like they with Job creation.

Also for your information, stock markets is one of the most important measures of economic progress. Have a look at how well your pension pot has being doing since Trump was President. Or have a look at how well 401Ks are performing. ISAs. SIPPs. Etc since he was President.

 

[AdamM97]

How do you measure the success of a president?.

( I'm not suggesting the stockmarket is the measure)

Depends imo. Leftists see increasing wages and better living standards as success, whereas RWs see more international trade and a large trade surplus as success.

I don’t know that much about how well Trump has performed on the economic front overall to be honest. But I do know that he did promise to bring back jobs, instead he’s shipping more jobs abroad. A large portion of his voters were from the rust belt, and the trade war with China has really hit them hard if anything.

SOURCE: https://www.google.se/amp/s/qz.com/...-moving-overseas-even-faster-than-before/amp/

 

[Gilly]

Depends imo. Leftists see increasing wages and better living standards as success, whereas RWs see more international trade and a large trade surplus as success.

I don’t know that much about how well Trump has performed on the economic front overall to be honest. But I do know that he did promise to bring back jobs, instead he’s shipping more jobs abroad. A large portion of his voters were from the rust belt, and the trade war with China has really hit them hard if anything.

SOURCE: https://www.google.se/amp/s/qz.com/...-moving-overseas-even-faster-than-before/amp/

Your source is from 2017, Trump wasnt even in office for 1 year.

2018 was the best year for manufacturing job growth in the U.S. since 1997. Factories added 264,000 workers in 2018, up from 176,000 workers in 2017.

At least things are going in the right direction.
https://www.barrons.com/articles/manufacturing-jobs-us-renaissance-51550431098

 

[AdamM97]

Your source is from 2017, Trump wasnt even in office for 1 year.

This is from 31 Dec 2019.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2...thing-att-moves-outsource-thousands-jobs-2020

Trump gives AT&T tax cuts, and they outsource 28k jobs overseas. Trump is a not a populist, he is a Manhattan billionaire/socialite who lives off his father’s hard work.

 

[kk1992]

You are not posting anything of substance.

Why would I indulge in debate with someone who believe that upward trend in economy has to do with Trump?

One of the biggest lie told and repeated by those who do not understand how economy works.

 

[kk1992]

You can argue about whether Trump was responsible for jobs etc, but no one can argue the effect Trump has had on the US stock markets.

The DJIA jumped 400+ points on the news of Trump's aquittal, and is right now in record breaking territory.

You would see the similar jump if Obama was to get aquittal, matter of fact, if any president were to get aquittal.

 

[MenInG]

The US president held up a copy of the Washington Post with the headline "Trump acquitted" before taking aim at his political rivals in a speech at the White House.

Donald Trump also called a three-year long "witch hunt" against him "a very unfair situation", adding: "It was evil, it was corrupt, it was dirty cops."

Spoiler

The president was speaking in the East Room of the White House a day after he was cleared of impeachment charges in the Senate.

Mr Trump, talking about the "witch hunt" that started in the early days of his presidency, said: "We went through Russia, Russia, Russia... it was all b******t."

He also thanked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans for supporting him as he faced impeachment charges.

Mr Trump also called the house speaker Nancy Pelosi, who brought impeachment charges against the president, a "horrible person" and doubted her claims that she prays for him.

The president also called Adam Schiff, the lead House manager during the impeachment trial, a "vicious, horrible person".

He later referred to that "gorgeous word" called "total acquittal".

Reflecting on the period during which he faced impeachment charges, Mr Trump said: "I just want to apologise to my family for them having to go through a phoney, rotten deal, by some very evil and sick people."

The First Lady Melania Trump was in attendance for the speech, along with the president's daughter Ivanka and his sons.

Ivanka stood up and hugged her father as his speech drew to a close.

The president spoke after taking aim at those who tried to remove him from office in a separate speech earlier.

Mr Trump said at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington: "As everybody knows, my family, our great country and your president have been put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people."

Donald Trump
Image:
Donald Trump is speaking at the White House
He spoke from a stage where he was joined by congressional leaders, including Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who led the impeachment charge against him.

Mr Trump, who triumphantly held up copies of two newspapers with "acquitted" headlines as he took the stage, continued: "They have done everything possible to destroy us and by so doing very badly hurt our nation."

In an apparent reference to Republican Senator Mitt Romney, who was the only one to vote for Mr Trump's removal, he said: "I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong."

In a reference to Ms Pelosi, he said: "Nor do I like people who say 'I pray for you' when you know that is not so."

Mr Trump was acquitted by the Senate of obstructing Congress and abusing the power of his office as president on Wednesday.

The vote brought to an end the third presidential impeachment trial in US history that bitterly divided the country, and comes as the president is in the early days of his re-election campaign.

https://news.sky.com/story/trump-on...vil-it-was-corrupt-it-was-dirty-cops-11927778

 

[Technics 1210]

You would see the similar jump if Obama was to get aquittal, matter of fact, if any president were to get aquittal.

Not entirely true.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/29/investing/how-impeachment-affects-markets/index.html

 

[cric_man]

It was all a show. The democrats knew it wouldn’t pass from the start, that’s why they rushed the entire thing and did it on an election year. They did this so they could say “the GOP doesn’t care about you or America, here’s proof” during the election cycle and in their campaign ads. It was never about actually impeaching him, it was about convincing their voter base that they “did all the could” and to convince those on the fence that “the alt-right is destroying the country.”

 

[Knight_Rider]

On radio they were talking abt the Democrats candidate selection in Iowa and how it was a mess. One of the contender was a young Homo guy and the other one is 84 yrs old Bernie Sanders. Not sure who else is in the race (what happened to Joe Biden??) but if these are the choices, then Trump stands a good chance of re-election.

This has some similarities with the recent UK general election, where the Clown was the best choice.

 

[kk1992]

Not entirely true.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/29/investing/how-impeachment-affects-markets/index.html

Can't compare with Nixon, he actually resigned, that would have made an impact if any president were to resign for any reason.

Look, all I've been saying, Polls do not mean anything, Clinton was projected to win but she did not, recently, in Iowa, Pete was trailing now he is neck to neck with Bernie.

It all depend who is Democrat nominee and how that nominee runs his/her campaign, one thing is for sure, Hilary Clinton is not running for Presidency and it will not be walk in a park for Trump this time around.

 

[James]

Why would I indulge in debate with someone who believe that upward trend in economy has to do with Trump?

One of the biggest lie told and repeated by those who do not understand how economy works.

The factors involved in this period of relatively good economic health for the US can be debated on Internet forums and on Twitter, but the truth of the matter is that the vast majority of the electorate does not engage politically to that level - they just vote on the basis of who they like, whose personal brand influences them the most, and what they see & hear from the candidates whilst they are campaigning.

The political campaign trail responds best to simple, direct rhetoric and catchy taglines. It is not an intellectual space. So - rightly or wrongly - if the economy has indeed generally improved during Trump’s time in office, then he will happily take credit for this because it helps him electorally. Many of the voters just swallow this stuff.

 

[Gilly]

On radio they were talking abt the Democrats candidate selection in Iowa and how it was a mess. One of the contender was a young Homo guy and the other one is 84 yrs old Bernie Sanders. Not sure who else is in the race (what happened to Joe Biden??) but if these are the choices, then Trump stands a good chance of re-election.

This has some similarities with the recent UK general election, where the Clown was the best choice.

Why would you reference a persons sexual preference, this is not normal so why would you bring that up?.

 

[sjahmed23]

It's a big joke. White supremacists rule the roost and there's nothing anyone can do about it. This gives a taste of what the civil right activists had to go through.

 

[ManFan]

It's a big joke. White supremacists rule the roost and there's nothing anyone can do about it. This gives a taste of what the civil right activists had to go through.

No, they don’t.

The people who rule the world don’t give a **** about race, only profit and power.

 

[ManFan]

Why would you reference a persons sexual preference, this is not normal so why would you bring that up?.

Because a gay individual will never be elected American president. (Middle America says hello!).

 

[troodon]

What a joke of a trial. Dems and leftists too desperate to dethrone Trump and could not wait till the end of the year.

After this Natakbazi Trump is going to win come November elections.

 

[troodon]

It's a big joke. White supremacists rule the roost and there's nothing anyone can do about it. This gives a taste of what the civil right activists had to go through.

White supremacists don’t rule anything.

Trump won because of lunatic far left and their bozo snowflake supporters.

Dems aligning with far left liberals have ruined their chances.

 

[Gilly]

Because a gay individual will never be elected American president. (Middle America says hello!).

They used to say a colored person would never be elected president too. (Obama says hello).

 

[ManFan]

They used to say a colored person would never be elected president too. (Obama says hello).

I knew that point was coming.

But that only occurs if you are up against a candidate that is so bland and lacks support within the Congress and you yourself (i.e, Obama) can obtain nearly all of your minority vote (he won 96 in 08’ and 93 in 12’).

McCain also lost because of his VP choice (helped him initially) and the support for Wall Street after the collapse.

Pete B. is up against Trump, a man who has mastered media for the past 30+ years and the gay community’s political support is too spread out to fall behind one man. They lack the history and struggle associated with African-Americans to rally behind a candidate in overwhelming numbers.